U2's Bono Hails Capitalism to Help the Hungry

U2 lead singer Bono isn’t the typical celebrity when it comes to politics, even if he’s as outspoken as any of his fellow stars. He’s heaped praise on former President George W. Bush for the leader’s efforts to help the African continent in its battle against AIDS, as politically incorrect a position as one can take in famous circles.

Now, Bono is speaking up in a manner that would make his famous peers go slack-jawed. He says capitalism is the key to helping the poor, not merely handouts.

“Aid is just a stopgap,” he said. “Commerce [and] entrepreneurial capitalism take more people out of poverty than aid. We need Africa to become an economic powerhouse.”